The Daily Collegian chose two women to lead the newspaper into its 115th year of publication last night.
Alison Kepner (junior-journalism and history) was chosen by the Collegian's Board of Directors to be the 2002-2003 editor in chief and Megan Janke (junior-advertising) was selected to be business manager. Janke competed with Randi Kramer (junior-accounting), while Kepner ran unopposed.
The candidates were required to interview with the Board of Directors, and submit a written proposal that identified their concerns within the Collegian and how they planned to address those concerns, as well as a resume that included recommendations by at least three people who were not associated with the Collegian.
After interviews for each position, the board met in closed session to discuss the candidates.
Board President Sally Maud Robertson said the board asked the candidates about current issues facing the newspaper as well as future concerns. Other questions related to the specific candidates' proposals.
When asked her reactions upon the announcement of her new leadership role, Kepner said, "I am excited for where the Collegian can go next year."
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Kepner's proposal to the board included plans to reorganize the online staff for The Digital Collegian, develop color weather, as well as include more arts and entertainment stories in the newspaper. She hopes to improve the reporter training program. Kepner also plans to refine the internal transitions between positions each semester.
"I've seen improvements in the content and morale of our staff, and I want to see it continue to go in that direction," she said. "Some of my best teachers I've had since I've been here have been my editors. They have shaped me here at the Collegian, and in my classes. I want the opportunity to do that as well."
Kepner has worked closely with current Editor in Chief Jill Leonard (senior-journalism) this year as managing editor. Leonard is confident in Kepner's ability.
"She was clearly the best choice for the organization. It was not hard to see that," she said. "She's been with me through it all this year."
Janke, who is currently a sales manager, was excited about her accomplishment and was eager to take on her new role.
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"I can't wait to step up to this position," she said.
She plans on expanding the role of customer service representatives and giving them more responsibility, while also improving and maintaining the rapport between the Collegian and its clients.
"As far as balancing my academics with being business manager, it is something I feel I can confidently do," Janke told the board.
Amy Hibbard was selected to be the business manager during the 2001-2002 school year, but recently withdrew from Penn State for medical reasons. Erin Doonan (senior-advertising), who was previously the advertising manager, took the position as business manager after Hibbard left.
The positions are held for 12 months, and both the editor in chief and business manager are not allowed to hold outside jobs during this time. Kepner and Janke will take over their new roles at 6:15 a.m. on the day of the last publication of the spring semester. This transition traditionally takes place at the same time every year.
Robertson said that the Board of Directors has always felt confident about the decisions they have made.
"This is both a great pleasure and a great challenge," she said of the selection process.
